Crispy Skin Salmon Recipe with Za-atar Spice Blend

Crispy Salmon Skin

If you’re lucky enough to find salmon fillets with the skin still attached, be sure to crisp them up! Salmon skin is full of flavor and contains the highest concentration of Omega-3 fatty acids on the fish. The key to creating a crispy skin is pre-heating the pan before you add the salmon. It’s just a simple step, but can be applied to so many dishes. I use a cast iron skillet, as it goes from stove-top to oven and is non-stick, without any questionable chemical coatings.

Za-atar Spice Blend

Za-atar spice blend is a traditional Middle Eastern spice blend made up of oregano, sesame seeds, sumac, and salt. It is simple to make but also easy to find at the grocery store, or through Savory Spice Shop.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this crispy skin salmon recipe with za-atar spice blend alongside a simple green salad using the maple-sherry vinaigrette below, and a delectable dinner is right at your fingertips.

Maple Sherry Vinaigrette (optional)

Instructions

Preheat oven to 400°F. Pull out salmon from refrigerator 30 minutes before you plan on cooking it.

In a small bowl, combine olive oil with za-atar spice blend and coriander. Rub this on the salmon flesh.

Preheat a 10-inch cast iron skillet over medium-high heat. When you see white wisps of smoke in the pan, place salmon in, skin side down. Cook about 4 minutes, until skin is browning, and salmon is no longer sticking.

Slide entire pan into oven, and cook for 4-5 more minutes, depending upon the thickness of the salmon fillet. Remove from the pan immediately and serve.

Maple Sherry Vinaigrette

Juice lemons for about 1/2 cup lemon juice. Combine with remaining ingredients and whisk well to incorporate. Drizzle over your favorite salad greens.

Ingredients

Instructions

Toast sesame seeds lightly in a dry skillet over medium heat, until they are fragrant and starting to turn golden. In a bowl, combine the still warm sesame seeds with the other ingredients. Store in a spice jar and use within three months.